Location:Bonaire belongs
to the Caribbean group of islands, which spans from the northern point of South
America up to Florida, USA. This large island group is often referred to as the
"West Indies" or the "Antilles".

Bonaire is the most easterly located
island of the Leeward islands. More precisely you will find it at 12° 5'
north latitude and 68° 25' west longtitude. The island is about 70
kilometers East from Curaçao and the distance to the mainland of South
America ( Venezuela ) is approximately 180 kilometers.

The shape of Bonaire resembles a
boomerang. Approximately 2 kilometers off the coast and South West of the nook,
you find the island of Klein Bonaire. This
coral island is 6 square kilometers in size and is totally uninhabited. Klein
Bonaire is known for its beautiful diving spots which are generously scattered
around the island. Picnic trips along with snorkeling outings are popular. Most
of the hotels can help arrange these activities. Of course the resorts' dive
boats frequent Klein Bonaire routinely. From
this little island one can see a wonderful view of Bonaire's west coast.
Bonaire also offers a guided snorkeling program, kayaking, mountain biking and
other nature related tours.

Culture: A colorful mix
of ancestors has given the Netherlands Antilles a diverse population.
Throughout the ages the various cultural influences have melted together to a
creole culture. This melting pot of cultures has contributed to "Papiamento", a
mixed language which is derived from a variety of foreign influences. The
colorful mix of customs and traditions have resulted into a typical Antillean
style of clothing, food, music and dances.

Tourism: Compared to the
tourism of Aruba, Curaçao and St. Martin, Bonaire is relatively
undiscovered, but has excellent prospects as an attractive destination. The
growth of diving tourism clearly shows the possibilities. Bonaire is considered
one of the best diving destinations in the world and more and more divers are
discovering it. The hotel capacity adapts to this trend nicely.

Flora and Fauna: Bonaire is
best known for her Caribbean Flamingo. Spread out over the Island, one will
easily find large numbers of these orange-red flamingos. Flamingos demand
distinct conditions to their nesting grounds. For them to build volcano- type
nests, the clay may not be too hard nor too soft. Another requirement is water,
ample food, which land-locked lakes lives high in saline. But what mostly is
needed is a peaceful and quiet environment. Bonaire takes good care of its
flamingo nesting grounds and everything is done to allow these birds to breed
undisturbed. Also unique to the island is the yellow winged amazon parrot, also
known locally as the "Lora".

Ocean : The reefs around
Bonaire are some of the most beautiful ones in the world. The reefs are of
splendid beauty and the abundance of fish is spectacular. Bonaire's ocean life
has clearly profited from the 1979 Government decision to declare the waters a
protected sanctuary. Nowhere in the Caribbean are fish so abundant and tame -
some allow handfeeding! - than those around the island.

Climate: The average
temperature is 28°C (82F). Summer temperatures "dip" to 30°C (86F)
while winter temperatures "peak" around 26°C (79F). The North East Trade
Wind is a year-round constant. Tropical storms are rare and the Island is
spared from tornado- and hurricane activity. All in all you can expect dry and
sunny weather. The sea temperature averages 26°C (79F).